Schools
Burnsville, Savage Police Train Area Teachers
The training is being used to strengthen relationships in the community, not because area schools are becoming more dangerous
The Burnsville and Savage police departments are currently offering a training academy to staff and teachers of School District 191.
The academy is being held every Tuesday in April and its goal is to offer insight into the inner workings of law enforcement as it is experienced by police officers.
Despite an emphasis on "hands-on training" and "scenario-based role playing," Burnsville police officer Chris Goodreau was clear that the training is not necessarily a result of area schools becoming more dangerous.
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"We are doing some very basic use-of-force training to give (staff and teachers) a feel for what (police) are faced with," Goodreau explained. "We are not training them to use (the techniques) in the school or classroom."
School District 191 is also not worried that its teachers will misconstrue the point of the training as a preparatory course for defending themselves in area classrooms.
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"These academies happen in lots of cities," District 191 communications director Ruth Dunn explained. "They are used to give citizens a better understanding of police department functions and roles."
Designed by Savage police officer Terry Gliniany, the aim of the Teacher's Academy is to "enhance and strengthen (the police department's) partnership with the community."
According to a statement from BPD, "the Teachers’ Academy has been designed to be a fun learning experience for both our 'cadets' and our presenters."
